How do I increase approval with Astarion without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3?
Increasing approval with Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing approval from other companions requires a careful balance of dialogue choices, actions, and understanding the personalities of your party members. Astarion is a morally ambiguous character who appreciates cunning, self-interest, and a bit of cruelty, while other companions like Gale, Wyll, and Shadowheart may disapprove of such behavior. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to navigate this dynamic.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices. Astarion approves of selfish, pragmatic, and sometimes cruel decisions, while companions like Gale and Wyll prefer altruistic and heroic actions. Shadowheart falls somewhere in between, often approving of pragmatic choices but disliking outright cruelty. To maintain a balance, youÔÇÖll need to make choices that Astarion likes without alienating others.
One effective strategy is to focus on dialogue choices that align with AstarionÔÇÖs preferences without directly harming others. For example, during conversations with NPCs, choose options that emphasize self-preservation, wit, or manipulation. Astarion often approves of sarcastic or dismissive remarks, especially if they show a lack of concern for othersÔÇÖ well-being. However, avoid outright hostile or violent actions unless they are necessary, as these can lead to disapproval from other companions.
Another way to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval is through combat tactics. Astarion is a rogue, so he appreciates stealthy and strategic approaches. Use him to sneak attack enemies or pickpocket valuable items. Other companions may not disapprove of these actions as long as they donÔÇÖt directly involve harming innocents. For example, stealing from hostile NPCs or looting enemies after combat is generally safe and can earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval without upsetting others.
When it comes to story choices, look for opportunities where AstarionÔÇÖs approval can be gained without significant consequences for the group. For instance, in the early game, siding with the goblins against the tieflings can earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval, but it will likely cause disapproval from Wyll and Gale. Instead, focus on smaller, less consequential decisions. For example, during the encounter with the dying mind flayer on the nautiloid, choosing to let Astarion kill it will earn his approval without affecting other companions.
ItÔÇÖs also important to manage your party composition. If you know a particular decision will upset a companion, consider leaving them at camp temporarily. For example, if you plan to make a choice that Astarion will like but Wyll will hate, leave Wyll behind. This way, you can avoid losing approval from the absent companion. However, be cautious with this approach, as some story events require all companions to be present.
Advanced techniques involve exploiting the timing of certain events. For example, some dialogue choices only trigger approval changes if the companion is in your active party. By carefully managing who is present during key moments, you can maximize AstarionÔÇÖs approval while minimizing disapproval from others. Additionally, pay attention to companion-specific quests. Completing AstarionÔÇÖs personal quests, such as helping him deal with his vampirism, can significantly boost his approval without affecting others.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system reflects his chaotic neutral alignment. He values freedom, self-interest, and personal gain, which aligns with his rogue class. Understanding these traits can help you predict his reactions to certain choices. For example, he will likely approve of actions that benefit him directly, even if they come at the expense of others.
Specific examples include the encounter with the hag Ethel. If you choose to let her live in exchange for power, Astarion will approve, while others may disapprove. To balance this, you can choose to fight her instead, which will earn approval from most companions while still allowing you to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval through other means, such as witty dialogue or strategic combat.
In summary, increasing AstarionÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a mix of careful dialogue choices, strategic combat tactics, and thoughtful party management. Focus on small, non-consequential decisions that align with AstarionÔÇÖs preferences, and avoid actions that directly harm innocents or go against the moral compass of other companions. By understanding the approval system and the personalities of your party members, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion while maintaining harmony within the group.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices. Astarion approves of selfish, pragmatic, and sometimes cruel decisions, while companions like Gale and Wyll prefer altruistic and heroic actions. Shadowheart falls somewhere in between, often approving of pragmatic choices but disliking outright cruelty. To maintain a balance, youÔÇÖll need to make choices that Astarion likes without alienating others.
One effective strategy is to focus on dialogue choices that align with AstarionÔÇÖs preferences without directly harming others. For example, during conversations with NPCs, choose options that emphasize self-preservation, wit, or manipulation. Astarion often approves of sarcastic or dismissive remarks, especially if they show a lack of concern for othersÔÇÖ well-being. However, avoid outright hostile or violent actions unless they are necessary, as these can lead to disapproval from other companions.
Another way to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval is through combat tactics. Astarion is a rogue, so he appreciates stealthy and strategic approaches. Use him to sneak attack enemies or pickpocket valuable items. Other companions may not disapprove of these actions as long as they donÔÇÖt directly involve harming innocents. For example, stealing from hostile NPCs or looting enemies after combat is generally safe and can earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval without upsetting others.
When it comes to story choices, look for opportunities where AstarionÔÇÖs approval can be gained without significant consequences for the group. For instance, in the early game, siding with the goblins against the tieflings can earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval, but it will likely cause disapproval from Wyll and Gale. Instead, focus on smaller, less consequential decisions. For example, during the encounter with the dying mind flayer on the nautiloid, choosing to let Astarion kill it will earn his approval without affecting other companions.
ItÔÇÖs also important to manage your party composition. If you know a particular decision will upset a companion, consider leaving them at camp temporarily. For example, if you plan to make a choice that Astarion will like but Wyll will hate, leave Wyll behind. This way, you can avoid losing approval from the absent companion. However, be cautious with this approach, as some story events require all companions to be present.
Advanced techniques involve exploiting the timing of certain events. For example, some dialogue choices only trigger approval changes if the companion is in your active party. By carefully managing who is present during key moments, you can maximize AstarionÔÇÖs approval while minimizing disapproval from others. Additionally, pay attention to companion-specific quests. Completing AstarionÔÇÖs personal quests, such as helping him deal with his vampirism, can significantly boost his approval without affecting others.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system reflects his chaotic neutral alignment. He values freedom, self-interest, and personal gain, which aligns with his rogue class. Understanding these traits can help you predict his reactions to certain choices. For example, he will likely approve of actions that benefit him directly, even if they come at the expense of others.
Specific examples include the encounter with the hag Ethel. If you choose to let her live in exchange for power, Astarion will approve, while others may disapprove. To balance this, you can choose to fight her instead, which will earn approval from most companions while still allowing you to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval through other means, such as witty dialogue or strategic combat.
In summary, increasing AstarionÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a mix of careful dialogue choices, strategic combat tactics, and thoughtful party management. Focus on small, non-consequential decisions that align with AstarionÔÇÖs preferences, and avoid actions that directly harm innocents or go against the moral compass of other companions. By understanding the approval system and the personalities of your party members, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion while maintaining harmony within the group.